Mark Osborne, Managing Director of Country Hardwood, reveals how technological innovation is enabling timber manufacturers to challenge the efficiency of uPVC and aluminium fabrication while maintaining their reputation for quality.
The timber fenestration sector stands at a crucial crossroads. While the demand for premium timber products remains, manufacturers must evolve to compete with the efficiency of mass-produced alternatives. As Managing Director of Country Hardwood, I believe the answer lies not in choosing between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, but in harnessing both.
When we established Country Hardwood in 2007, we began with a simple mission: to craft superior timber products that would stand the test of time. Today, that mission remains unchanged, but our methods have transformed. Our recent £700,000 investment in advanced CNC machinery demonstrates our commitment to embracing new technologies and innovation, while remaining true to time-honoured traditional joinery.
CNC machinery: consistency & quality control
For trade professionals, consistency is paramount. Every variable in installation adds time, costs, and potential complications. Our approach to manufacturing addresses these challenges head-on.
Through precision CNC engineering, we ensure exact specifications are met on every product, every time. Our automated processes guarantee consistent quality within large volume orders, while advanced machinery enables complex designs without compromising efficiency. Quality control systems monitor every stage of production, ensuring excellence from start to finish.
The result? Products that arrive on-site ready for trouble-free installation, reducing time on site and minimising callbacks.
However, our investment over the past few years in new machinery wasn’t about replacing craftsmen with computers. Instead, it was about reinforcing the capabilities of our skilled team – many of whom have been with us since day one. We’ve always kept the tradition of woodworking at the centre of our work; our team continues to oversee the entire operation, bringing decades of skill, expertise and knowledge to the table and ensuring the perfect finished product.
The result is a manufacturing process that delivers consistent quality while meeting the demanding schedules of modern construction projects.
Our commitment to forward-thinking extends beyond machinery. Take our unique wrap-around locking system – a perfect example of how technical innovation can improve traditional products. This system locks at 5 separate points around the edges of larger window frames, ensuring optimal security without compromising aesthetics.
We’ve also developed practical solutions for common market challenges. Our oak-effect hardwood, for instance, offers the prestigious appearance of oak at a more cost-effective price – ideal for larger developments where budgets are tight but quality standards remain high.
Bringing technology into timber window and door manufacturing requires a balance – it’s crucial to maintain consistency and quality without losing the tradition of hand-built elements that makes timber so sought-after, even today.
The reason people continue to prize timber windows and doors is the same reason people continue to prize hand-made pottery over mass-produced products – expertise, built up over years of experience, simply can’t be replaced by machinery. Instead, if timber manufacturing is to compete with uPVC fabrication, it must work alongside advancements in technology.
It’s also crucial for timber manufacturers to recognise the importance of supporting trade partners where needed. Our comprehensive design support includes full CAD capability for bespoke projects, backed by detailed technical specifications and documentation. Our nationwide delivery service also ensures timely arrival at sites nationwide, while our emphasis on sourcing materials and making our products here in the UK means we can offer competitive pricing to our customers.
Looking ahead to the future
The market for premium timber products continues to grow, driven by increasing appreciation for sustainable, high-quality materials. However, success in this market requires manufacturers to deliver these products efficiently and consistently.
Our investment in technology has enabled us to maintain consistent 12-week lead times across our product range. We can handle complex bespoke projects with confidence, delivering exceptional quality every time while our efficient processes allow us to offer competitive pricing.
I firmly believe that the future of timber manufacturing lies in this balanced approach – combining the irreplaceable skills of experienced craftsmen with the precision and efficiency of modern technology. At Country Hardwood, we’re committed to continuing this evolution, investing in both our people and our capabilities to ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry.
For more information, please email sales@countryhardwood.co.uk or visit www.countryhardwood.com.